5.9.18

Last (academic) year

As promised, here are some of the answers posed by Quo Vadis...

What went well this month year?

It's a small thing, but I finally managed to get off The Drug From Hell and regain something of a normal life. Hiding how horrible things were when I was in Denver was something that went mildly well. Managing to have a good time in Dublin despite physically feeling like all bed was the only place for me. No relapses since February (maybe I shouldn't have mentioned that, in case it jinxes things!).

Which goals did you complete this month year? (Congratulate yourself! Celebrate your successes.)

Honestly, none. I set goals, but things just didn't work out. The biggest success (which wasn't/isn't a goal) was to be able to keep working... most of the time.

Which goals still need work? What do you need to do to complete these goals?

continue decluttering

keep my living space tidy

better work/life/illness balance

be a better friend (reach out to friends more, by note and email)

What I need is to stop being so hard on myself about not meeting those goals, because the combination of the medications I'm taking frequently leaves me with no strength at the end of the day.

What didn’t go so well this month year?

See the above: continuing to have relapses, then trying to integrate all the different medications (by themselves I'm sure they're fine, but all together... not fun).

What were some of your roadblocks this month year? What can you do to get around these roadblocks?

Finding the energy to get things going on a regular basis. Yes, I've not had to go in to work for ten weeks (ok, I did go in but not often and it was on my schedule), so you'd think there'd be energy to spare but not really. Reminding myself to take things slowly and to not stress/blame myself when things don't get done as preferred will be a huge roadblock to get around.

What lessons did you learn this month year?

That even baby steps count. And that behind a seeming normal facade can lurk someone dealing with ill health, physical and/or mental. Being grateful for friends and family. And that small kindnesses go a very long way.